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Legislative Update

Right now is a unique moment in this legislative cycle to significantly increase the chances of increasing G/T funding. HB 977 and SB 1613 could provide systemic change to G/T funding in Texas by increasing funding for the number of identified G/T students from a cap of 5% to 10%. SCR 23 and HCR 64 will establish awareness of G/T students and their educational needs. We will make progress if your legislators hear from you personally!
 
Right now is a unique moment in this legislative cycle to significantly increase the chances of increasing G/T funding. HB 977 and SB 1613 could provide systemic change to G/T funding in Texas by increasing funding for the number of identified G/T students from a cap of 5% to 10%. SCR 23 and HCR 64 will establish awareness of G/T students and their educational needs. We will make progress if your legislators hear from you personally!

Does calling or emailing your legislator really matter? It does! Legislative offices track all individual communications they receive from their constituents regarding specific bills and resolutions. The more times a legislator hears from folks in their district, the more data they have to feel confident to take action. Your voice matters! 

Templated emails are less effective, your legislators want to hear why support for G/T is important to you and how you are related to this issue. You don't need to write a multi-paragraph email (even though we know you could!) but simply stating who you are and sharing your #whyGT story about why funding for gifted students matters is what they need to hear. We have made it easy for you with this outline to follow for your communication.

There is a brief window to move these bills and resolutions with enough support to make a difference. Take 15 minutes to reach out to your legislators today. Keep in mind your district policies and send from your personal email address.
 
 
 
 
How to Take Action
 
 
 
 
1. Who represents you? Find your legislators and their contact information here.
  • Address an email or make a phone call: Address emails as “Dear Senator _____” or “Representative _____” OR if you call, let the staffer know you're calling to make a request of your Representative/Senator.
2. Make your ask:
  • Share your connection to this issue (i.e. parent, G/T educator, etc) and confirm that you live in their district.
  • “Please sign on to support HB 977 or SB 1613. These bills should be passed with budget riders attached to create additional funding in the state budget to be effective—ask legislators to support this increase."
  • “Please support SCR 23 and HCR 64 to increase awareness of G/T students and the services we provide to meet their needs.”
  • "Please also support an increase in the basic allotment to ensure all students benefit from additional state funding."
3. Then, share your why. This should be personal to you and could sound like:
  • XISD struggles to meet the needs of their G/T students under current funding constraints. (Many districts identify more than 5% of students as G/T. Share how the funding cap limits resources and be specific if your district has identified more G/T students than are funded; check if your district has more than 5% of students identified as G/T here.)
  • XISD is making cuts to the G/T program, staff, enrichment/educational opportunities, staff development, etc, that will harm student outcomes.
  • Current budget shortfalls make it difficult to meet the needs of G/T students—new funding would help address gaps in services.
  • Your job is in jeopardy, or RIFs are/may happen in your department.
  • My child's needs would be better met with more resources.
  • YOUR STORY HERE.
4. Express gratitude: Thank you for supporting these bills!
5. Share with your community: Challenge 3 more people in your community to do the same (think colleagues, grandparents, neighbors).

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